Cardiopulmonary Services

Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) for COPD, asthma, and evaluation of other respiratory diseases is performed with state-of-the-art equipment that meets all the American Thoracic Society standards. We also comply with industry safety regulations and guidelines for all respiratory illnesses. Complete PFT’s at Forks Community Hospital are performed on a desktop device as you breathe normally and sit comfortable in chair. We can comfortably test patients and provide accurate, clinically proven results. Talk to your primary care provider today about a complete PFT at Forks Community Hospital.

Bardy Heart Monitor (48 Hours, 7 Day, 14 Day) ordered by your provider for continuous ECG monitoring and diagnostic accuracy for irregular heart rhythm analysis. The Bardy patch is a lightweight, extended-wear cardiac patch that offers comfort and convenience to patients allowing them to be monitored while continuing their daily activities. Patients can shower while wearing the device.

Cardiac Stress Test (based on your individual mobility needs) to evaluate the cardiovascular system’s response to external stress within a controlled environment. The stress can be induced through physical exercise or intravenous pharmacological stimulation of the heart.

6 Minute Walk Test – Developed by the American Thoracic Society, the 6-minute walk test is a sub-maximal exercise test used to assess aerobic capacity and endurance. The test evaluates the functional capacity of the individual and provides valuable information during physical activity.

Arterial Blood Gas Testing – A blood test that measures the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood as well as your blood’s PH balance that impact your respiratory and circulatory system as well as metabolic processes.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a term used to describe progressive lung diseases, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma; it is generally characterized by increasing breathlessness.

Asthma is a respiratory condition marked by spasms in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing that usually results from an allergic reaction or other forms of hypersensitivity.

Emphysema is a condition in which the air sacs of the lungs are damaged and enlarged, leading to breathlessness that is typically caused by smoking.

Chronic bronchitis involves inflammation and swelling of the airway lining, leading to bronchial narrowing and obstruction, and often resulting in a cough. This type of inflammation stimulates production of mucus, which can cause further blockage of the airways.

Pulmonary Fibrosis occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. Thickened, stiff tissue makes proper lung function difficult. As pulmonary fibrosis worsens, patients become progressively short of breath.